- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, and powdered sugar. Mix until it forms a crumbly texture. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: In another bowl, beat together the cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth and well combined.
- Spread Cream Cheese Mixture: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
- Add Topping: Drop spoonfuls of fruit preserves over the cream cheese layer. Use a knife or a toothpick to swirl the preserves into the cream cheese for a marbled effect.
- Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the edges are set, and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the cream cheese squares to cool in the pan, then refrigerate for a few hours or overnight to firm up.
- Cut and Serve: Once chilled, cut into squares. If desired, garnish with fresh berries and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
These cream cheese squares are a delicious treat, and you can experiment with different fruit preserves or toppings based on your preferences. Enjoy!